II. Weltkrieg c. 1940

"II. Weltkrieg" (World War II) is a haunting pastel work by German artist Karl Wiener, created around 1940 during the height of the war. The artwork depicts a scene of devastation and destruction, with a large, yellow-tinged cloud of smoke billowing against a dark blue sky, casting an ominous shadow on the ground. The distorted building in the background, with its shattered windows, further emphasizes the destructive nature of the conflict. Wiener's stylized, almost abstract depiction of the war creates a powerful and evocative image that conveys the sense of chaos and despair. The use of pastel in this artwork gives the image a softness that contrasts with the stark reality of war, adding to the piece's somber mood and poignant message.